SEeing that bolde and rash men ouershoot them selues so far , as to giue iudgement of that which is knowen to one onely God , and oft forgetting what they them selues ought to be , and how they ought to liue according to Gods will , cruelly condemne those on whome the Lord wil haue mercy : It is good first to note that not all sin which séemeth to be against the holy Ghost , is sin against the holy Ghost in deed : for there are many that resist the trueth of the Gospel , wherof if séemeth they haue had some knowledge , whiche neuerthelesse sin not against the holy Ghost , in as much as it is ioyned with some ignorance which exempteth them from this horrible sin whiche is not pardoned in this world , Math. 12.3 . nor in the world to come . Which S. Paule signifieth , 1 Tim. 1.13 . saying : that he obtained pardon , because that through ignorance and for lack of faith he had béen a blasphemer , a persecutor and oppressor : wherby it foloweth that not all sin ( wher with man resisteth the trueth of God ) is sin against the holy Ghost .

But when man is so touched with the light of the troth , that he cannot pretend ignorance , and neuerthelesse of determinate malice resisteth , then he sinneth against the holy Ghost , and it is not possible for him to be renued by repentance , in that he hath forsaken God and is becom an Apostata or forsaker of Christianitie . Such were the Scribes and Phariseyes , who hauing the knowledge of the Law , Math. 9.34 . & . 12.24 . and seeing the manifest woorks of the power of God , attributed the miracles which Iesus Christ wrought , to Belzebub . Such were they also which resisted S. Stephen , and of determinate purpose blamed that doctrin , wherof they could not be ignorant but that it procéeded from God : as that holy Martir likewise reprooued them , when he was redy to shed his blood in the defence of the doctrin of the Ghospel . For if S. Stephen had delt with ignorant men , hee would haue vsed them otherwise . But seeing that they raged against God , and went about to rob God of his honor , he boldely pronounceth that they withstand the holy Ghost , let vs then conclude that they sin against the holy Ghost , who hauing the knowledge of God trueth , doo neuerthelesse of determinat malice resist the same .

But let vs sée whether it be lawful to pray for those that are giltye of this sin , for it séemeth no , by many reasons .

Mat , 21.22 Mar. 11.24 Iam. 1.6 . First the prayer of the faithfull ought to be made in faith , which béeing grounded on the woord of God , we are assured that they shal be heard . And ther is no word of God the assureth vs that our prayer shal be heard for those that sin against the holy ghost , but rather if saith contrary wise the there is a sin to death and I say not saith S. Iohn , that thou shalt pray for such . It foloweth them that it is in vain for vs to pray for those that sin against the holy Ghost . 1. Ioh. 5.16

Further Th' apostle saith plainly that suche cannot be renued by repentaunce seeing they crucifie againe to them selues the Son of God and make a mock of him . Heb. 6 6. If it be impossible that they can be conuerted , and the end of our prayers is that sinners may amend , it seemeth superfluous to pray for their conuersion .

Further we cannot obtain forgiuenesse of sinnes , but onely by the satisfaction of our Sauiour Iesus Christe , Ephe. 5.2 . who hath offred vp him self to bee an offring and sacrifice of a sweet smelling sauor to God . Then if we sin willingly after we haue had the knowledge of the troth , there remaineth no more sacrifice for sinnes : Heb. 10.26 . but a fearful looking for iudgement , and violent fire which shall deuoure the aduersaries . If the blood of Iesus Christe shed for that faithful profiteth not them that sin against the holy Ghost , it foloweh that all prayers made for them auaile them nothing , for that they are cut of from the communion of Iesus Christ , out of the which there is no hope of saluation or pardon .

The example of S. Paule seemeth also to confirme the same which writeth thus . Act. 4.14 Alexander the copper smith hath doon me much euil the Lord rewarde him according to his works . 2. C i. 4.14 . If S. Paule had knowen that prayer would haue profited Alexander , I dout not but he would haue prayed for his conuersion : but séeing hee so hainously resisted the doctrin of the Gospel wherof he once made profession , as it is likely by the which S. Luke writeth , Act. 29.33 . he leaneth him as desperat , yea and wisheth that God would punish him according to his deserts We might also alledge how God hath forbiden his seruants to pray for the wicked : as when he saith to Ieremy . Iere. 11.14 . Iere. 11.11 . Therfore thou shalt not pray for this people , neither lift vp a cry or prayer for them for when they cry vnto me in their trouble I wil not hear them . And again , thou shalt not pray to doo this people good . Further the Lord saith to Samuel . How long wilt thou morne for Saule , 1. Sam. 16.1 séeing I haue cast him away from reigning any more ouer Israel .

Finally , it séemeth that the cursses which the Prophets vse against the wicked & reprobate , declare that we ought not to pray vnto God for their amendment , but rather for their ouerthrowe and confusion . As when Dauid saith : Stand vp Lord for my help , Psa. 35.2.3 4.5.6 . bring out also the Speare , and stop the way against them that persecute me , say vnto my soule , I am thy saluation . Let them be confounded and put to shame that séeke after my soule , let them be turned back and brought to confusion that imagine mine hurt . Let them be as chaffe before the winde , and let the Angel of the Lord scatter them . Let their way be dark and slippery , and let the Angel of the Lord pursue them . Psa. 40.14 Also : Let them be confounded and put to shame togither that séek my soule to destroy it , let them be driuen backward and put to rebuke that desire mine hurt . Psal. 55.15 . Also : Let death sease vpon them , let them go down quick into the graue , for wickednes is in their dwellings euen in the midst of them . Also : Breke their téeth ( O God ) in their mouthes : Psal. 58.6.7.8 . Break the iawes of the yung Lions , O Lord . Let them melt like the waters , let them passe away : when he shooteth his Arrowes let them be as broken . Let him consume like a Snail that melteth and like the vntimely frute of a woman that hath not séen the Sun. Also , euen thou O Lord God of hosts , Psal. 59.5.13 . God of Israel awake to visit al the heathen , and be not merciful vnto all that trasgresse maliciously . Consume them in thy wrath , consume them that they be no more . Psal. 69.22.23 . And again : Let their table be a snare before them , and let their prosperitie be made their ouerthrowe . Let their eyes be blinded that they see not , and make their Raines continually to treemble . Poure foorth thine indignation vpon them , and let thy wrathful displeasure sease vpon them . Also : Psal. 71.13 . Let them be cofounded and consumed that are against my soule , let them be couered with reproofe & confusion the séek mine hurt . Further : Psal. 74.3 . Lift vp thy strokes that thou maist for euer destroy euery enemy that doth euil to thy sanctuary Also : Poure out thy wrath vpon the heathen that haue not knowen thee , Psal. 79.6.11 . and vpon the kingdoms that haue not called vpon thy name . And render vnto our neighours seuen folde into their bosom their reproch , wherwith they haue reproched thée O Lord . Further : Doo thou to them as vnto the Midianits , Psal. 83.9.13.14.15.16.17 . as to Sisera and as to labin at the riuer of Kishō . And anon after : O my God make them like vnto a whéel , & as the stuble before the winde , as the fire burneth the forest and as the flames setteth the mountains on fire , so persecute them with the tempest and make them afraid with thy storme . Fil their faces with shame that they may séek thy name O Lord . Let them be confounded & trouble for euer , yea let them be put to shame and perish . Also : Set thou the wicked ouer him and let the aduersary stand at his right hand . Psal. 109.6.14 . Let the iniquity of his father be had in remembrance with the Lord , and let not the sin of his mother be doon away . Also : As for the cheef of them that compasse me about , Psal. 140.9 10. let the mischéef of their owne lips come vpon them . Let coles fall vpon them , let him cast them into the fire , and into the deep pits that they rise not . These and such like places as well of the Psalmes as of the Prophets séem to make for them that wil not haue vs pray for the wicked and cheefly those that wage battail against the doctrin of the Gospel , but rather they say that by the example of Dauid and others we shuld pray to God for their ouerthrow and destruction , as wel to aduaunce his glory , as to kéep the good in fear , lest they ioine them selues with the reprobate .

But before we answere to these obiections , and to all the places before alleged , which seem to confirme their oppinion , we would faine demaund of them whether they be sure that those whome they condemne , are gilty of the sin against the holy Ghost , they & those from whom they shut vp the way of saluation be such as the Author of the Epistle to the Hebrues describeth ? that is to say , Heb. ● . 4 . whether they were once lightned , whether they haue tasted the Heauenly gift and whether they were made partakers of the holy Ghost , whether they haue tasted of the good woord of God , and the powers of the world to come ? For the Apostle setteth foorth all these things before he pronounceth sentence against those that so hainously offend that they can not obtain pardon , to th' end that wee should knowe that all departing from the troth of the Ghospel or persecuting therof , is not an vnforgiuenable sin : els we must néeds say that S. Péeter sinned against the holy Ghost , Mat. 26.74 séeing he renounced ( yea and that with cursing and hanning ) the troth whiche he him self had before knowen and confessed . And yet he that shall so iudge must néeds be blamed of rashnesse and vntroth , Mat. 16.16 . Iohn . 6.69 . aswel because of the * * Mat. 26.75 repentance of this Disciple , as of the pardon which he obtained , of his master and Lord . And if any wil say that there ar diuers such as the Apostle describeth , euen as we wil not deny it , for asmuche as these things are not written for nought , and that Iesus Christ wold not haue made so expresse mention of the sin against the holy Ghost , if there had not béen such a sin , so likewise we say it is not so easy to be knowen as it séemeth : and it is much better to suspend our iudgment in this case and to leaue the knowledge therof to god * * 2. Tim. 2.14 . who knoweth those that be his , then lightly and rashly to condemne those that possibly God hath determined to shew mercy vnto , that the more horrible the sin séemeth and void of all pardon , the more he might magnifie his great goodnesse and mercy . For it often commeth to passe , Rom. 5.20 . that where sin hath abounded , there grace aboundeth much more . Beside this , the faith which we haue in the promises of God , whiche promiseth pardon to all those that repent them from the bottom of their harts , Ezech. 18.23 and the charitie which we bere to our neighbor prouoketh vs to hope wel of all men , and to pray to God for the saluation of all sinners : euen of those that séem to be the moste desperate in the world . Also what shall we say by this commaundment that Christ gaue to his disciples , saying : Loue your enmies , Mat. 5.44 . blesse those that curse you , doo good to those that hate you , pray for those that hurt you & persecute you , that ye may be the children of your father which is in heauen : for he maketh his Sun to shine vpon the good and bad , and sendeth his rain vpon the iust and vniust . And S. Paule saith : The seruant of the Lord must not striue , 2. Tim. 2.24 25.26 . but must bee gentle towards all men , apt to teach , suffering the euil men patiently , instructing them with méeknesse that are contrary minded , prouing if God at any time wil giue them repentance that they may knowe the troth , and that they may come to amendment out of the snare of the Deuil , whiche are taken of him at his wil. In deed the Apostle speaketh not directly of those that resist the troth that they once knew neither yet excludeth he those which are such , because God is able inough to call them again to the true knowledge of the troth , and to giue them that taste of Heauenly and deuine things whiche before they had lost . Seeing then that we know not how God wil woork with men , and that the conuersion of sinners is in his hand , and that we are not sure whether they whiche resist the troth to day shall consent to morrow , or whether they be misled by ignorance , wekenesse , or any fond zeale , we cannot doo amisse to commend them to God , and to pray for their conuersion and amendment .

Touching the answers and solutions of the former obiections , we first confesse that all our prayers ought to be made in faith : without the which , man may not look to obtain any thing at Gods hand as S. Iames saith : We confesse also that the woord of God commaundeth vs not to pray for these that sin against the holy Iames. 1.7 Ghost : But therwith we say that it is not easy for vs to knowe such sinners , as appéereth by the reasons before alleged . For they somtimes ar thought to sin maliciously and of determinate purpose , that are rather misled with fond zeale and blinde ignorance then of determinate malice . It may sometimes , come to passe them that amongst those that persecute the Gospel , some sin of ignorance and other some of malice , and so consequently against the holy Ghost . But for that the intent of the hart is reserued to the knowledge of God alone , the faithful ought stil to pray for all in generall . As we sée S. Stephen did . Act. 7 . 51.6● For though they were of his aduersaries that resisted the holly Ghost , as he laid to their charge , yet when he was redy to yéeld vp the Ghost , he ceassed not to pray in generall , without exception of this man or that man , saying , Lord lay not this sin to their charge , for they knowe not what they doo . And in déed if we should iudge who sinned against the holy Ghost in persecuting this holy man , should we not put Saule in the number of them at the least ? For from his youth he had béen instructed in the law vnder that excellent doctor Gamaliel : and could wel iudge that all that S. Steuen alleged for the defence of his doctrin , was drawen out of the pure fountain of the holy scriptures : and neuerthelesse his sudain & wonderful conuersion , dooth sufficiently declare that his sin was not vnpardonable , as hee him self dooth sufficiently witnesse . 1. Cor. 15.10 2. Tim. 1.16 Also we sée many that , séemed to be wholly cast away and desperat which neuerthelesse are so touched with the féeling of their sinnes , that they ernestly repent , & are set foorth to others as mirrors & examples of the goodnesse of God which giueth life to the dead , and calleth the things that be not as though they were . The example of the Corinthians and Galathians may serue to this purpose very wel , Rom. 4.17 . for some of them were so far departed from that pure doctrin the S. Paule had preached vnto them , that they douted of the resurrection of the dead , these were strayed from Christ , ( which had called them through grace to an other gospel ) so far that they thought the ceremonies of the law were necessary to saluation , 1. Cor. 15.35 . Gal. 1.6 . wherin they not only gainsaid the doctrin of the Apostle , but also like mad men bereued them selues of the frute that all the faithful haue by the death of Iesus Christ : Gal. 3.1 . & neuerthelesse the holy Apostle leaueth not to indeuer to bring them bothe again into the right way of troth .

For the sin against the holy Ghost importeth not simply some euil or false opinion that one may holde against some or many points of Religion , but a generall reuolting and apostasie from all Christianitie , when hauing béen illuminate by the vertue of the holy Ghost , resisteth of determinate malice the doctrin of the trueth , with intent to resist it . And it is no maruail if this sin be vnpardonable , séeing that he which is is giltie of them , maliciously despiseth Iesus Christ , and maketh a mock of his doctrin , without the which none can obtain pardon of his iniquities , and we may not think it straunge and accuse God of crueltie , though he pardon not such sin , séeing that they which commit it come not to repentance . And is it reason the God shuld pardon the sin that the offender nothing repenteth ? This is it that the Apostle affirmeth saying : If we sin willingly after that we haue receiued the knowledge of the trueth , Heb. 10.26 . there remaineth no more sacrifice for sinnes , that is to say If we wittingly and obstinatly leaue of the doctrin of the Gospel which teacheth vs that Iesus Christe hath giuen him self to clense vs from all our sinnes , Tits . 2.14 . there resteth no more sacrifice for our sinnes . For there is nothing but the blood of the sonne of God that can clense vs from our sinnes that we haue committed against God. 1. Ioh. 1.7 . Touching that which is alleaged of Alexander the copper smith , 2. Tim. 4 . 1● it is not to be douted but S. Paule who was ful of the holy ghost , had some perticuler reuelation & knowledge of certain persons with whome he had to doo , by vertue of the which holy Ghost , hee did disclose their wickednesse and hipocrisie and holdely detests it before all men , which gift is not giuen to all men , neither is it necessary : for Gods wil is to keep vs within the bounds of sobrietie and modestie . And it is good reason that we leaue to him the knowledge of such high matters , which belong to his vnsearchable and eternall councel . Forasmuch then as Alexander of determinat ▪ purpose did fight against the troth whiche hee knew , 1 Cor. 16.22 . Saint Paule pronounceth that such wickednesse is altogither vnworthy of mercy . Likewise he saith in an other place : If any man looue not the Lord Iesus Christ , let him be excommunicate to death . And again : He that troubleth you shall beare his condemnation who so euer he be . Gal. 5.10.12 And anon after : Would to God they were euen cut of whiche doo disquiet you . But hee that should imitate the holy Apostle héerin , and pronounce sentence of cursse against those that obey not the Gospel , yea or those that maliciously resist the same , it is to be feared lest that whiche the Lord said to his disciples , might rightly be said vnto him : Ye knowe not of what spirit ye are . Luc. 9.55 .

That which is alleaged of Ieremy and Samuel confirmeth that whiche we haue said : that is . If any man haue certain reuelation or commaundement not to pray for those that God hath forsaken , we ought to obey it : For then the Lord should manifestly declare that such were out of hope of saluation . But when we haue no such reuelation , leauing it altogither into the hands of the Lord , we ought of charitie to commit to him the saluation of all men : yea and the more hainously we se them sin and approch to their ouerthrowe , the more ernestly ought we to commend them to God , who killeth and maketh aliue , bringeth downe to the graue and raiseth vp again , 1. Sam. 2.6 which S Iude commaundeth saying : Haue compassion of some in putting difference , Iude. 1.22 . and others saue with feare pulling them out of the fire . S. Peeter sawe that Simon the Sorcerer was a wicked and ambitious hipocrite , ready to misuse and prophane holy and spirituall things , and yet after he had sharply reprooued him and shewed him the iust iudgment of God , he mooueth him to repentance , and putteth him in hope of obtayning pardon , saying : Repent of thy wickednesse and pray to God that if it be possible the thought of thine hart may be forgiuen thée : Act. 8.12 . for I sée thou art in the Gall of bitternesse and in the band of iniquitie . S. Paule also hauing to do with Elimas the enchanter that went about Act. 13.9 . to turn away the deputie from the faith , pronounced not vnto him the extreme seueritie of the iudgement of God , but onely after he had declared vnto him his iniquitie , pronounceth that hee shal be blinde and not sée the Sun for a time to th' end that the Deputie seeing the vertue of God , which wrought in his holy Apostle , might be prouoked to receiue the doctrin of the gospel which he brought vnto him . Although then the the wicked shew sometimes such euident signes of their wickednesse and rebellion , that they seem wholly cast of & desperate , neuerthelesse it is not lawful for vs while they are in this present life to think the they are so far out of the way of saluation , but that they may be brought home again through the mercy of him that came into this world to saue sinners . 1. Tim. 1.15 As for the curses drawen out of diuers Psalmes , where Dauid craueth Gods help agaist his enemyes , desiring that they may bee ouerthrowen and cofounded , we say as we haue said touching that which S. Paule writeth of Alexander the copper smith that is : that Dauid hauing the spirit of prophecie , might haue certain reuelation of the ouerthrowe of those against whome he prayed and guided by the same spirit , he forsheweth and wisheth ( in conforming him self to the iust iudgement of God ) that his enemyes shall come to shame and confusion : Considering also that this Prophet represented the head of the Church , that is to say Iesus Christe , Dauid the ●●gure of Iesus Christe King of Kings and onely hed of the faithful : And in this respect he boldly proceedeth and saith : that all they that withstand him whome God hath raised vp abooue others , shal be sharply punished for their boldenesse and rashnesse for that they with stand God and his Christe . We may not then defend our selues with suche like cursings as are found in many places of Scriptures , seeing there are certain things perticuler to Prophets , which cannot consequently belong to them that are much inferior to such holy personages : which did as it were foresee their ouerthrowe at hand , whome they wished to be saued if they would haue repented : As appéereth plainly by certain examples of the Scriptures . Moises was the mildest and gentlest man that euer was , yet seeing the hard and ambitious harts of Dathan , Core , and Abiron , and that God was redy to take horrible vengeance on them for their murmuring , said vnto the Lord not with desire of vengeance , but in the spirit of Prophesie . Look not vnto their offering , Rom. 16. ●● I haue not taken so muche as one Asse from them , neither haue I hurte any of them . Yet neuerthelesse we sée el●wher , how ernestly he laboureth to appease the Lords wrath , Exo. 32.11 whiche seemed to bee so kindled against the people for worshipping the golden Calf , as though he wold vtterly destroy them , who would not thinck that there were two diuers Spirits in this one person that he delt more gently with the Idolaters then with the murmurers ? Yea it might sée me that hee was more careful for his owne honor , then of the glory of God , sith he prayed to the Lord so ernestly to pardon the people their Idolatry , as to desire that the Lord should rather wipe him out of the Book of life , on the other side he prayeth God not to receiue their offrings which presumptuously stood vp against him & his brother Aaron , whiche were but mortall men . But the same spirit which enforced them to craue pardon for the people , prouoked them to aske vengeance on the rebells and murmurers which withstood not onely Moses and Aaron , but the Lord , vnder whom they exercised the charge , which they had receiued of him . The like we see in the Apostle S. Paule , Rom. 9.3 who did beare so great affection to the blinde Iewes that gain said the Ghospel , that he desired to bee seperate from Christe for their saluation , and neuer thelesse when he considereth how detestable their infidelitie & obstinacy is before God , he boldely pronounceth the they shall feel his horrible vengance . For these be his woordis . Who bothe killed the Lord Iesus and their owne prophets , and haue persecuted vs , 2. Thessa. 2.15.16 . and God they please not , and are enemyes to all men : and forbid vs to preach vnto the Gentils that they might be saued , to fulfil their sinnes alwais : for the wrath of God is come on them to the vtmost . Séemeth it not héer that hee had forgotten that feruent affection that he bare to his owne nation ? But we must alwaies come back to that which we before said , that the holy ghost so gouerneth the prophetis and apostles , that according to that knowledge which they haue of the secret & iust iudgments of God , they haue so framed their prayers and requests conforming them selues thervnto , that not withstanding they haue not left ( as muche as in them lay ) to sue for the saluation of poor sinners , knowing that the mercy of God dooth farre surmount the rigor of his iudgement . Wherfore let vs boldely condemne , all those that woork iniquitie , & declare vnto the rebellious and wicked the iust vengeance which is prepared for them except they repent . Espetially hate the horrible and cursed Apostasie of such as forsake the profession of the Ghospel . But let vs beware we enter not to curiously into the secrets of God , in condemning this man or that man , but rather seek by all meanes possible , and namely by feruent and continuall prayer the saluation of such as are so blinde and miserable that they séem willingly to cast them selues away .

Let vs consider that the Lord hath at all times so magnified his kindenesse & mercy towards poor sinners , the they whiche seemed the moste wicked & desperate in the world , haue in th' end béen brought to repentance , and so obtained forgiuenes of their offences against God . For example , who wold euer haue thought that Manasses King of Iuda , could haue repented , & that God would haue forgiuen him his sinnes ? 〈◊〉 . Chron. 33. 2.3.4.6.9 . The Scripture witnesseth of him , that he did euil in the sight of the Lord , like the abhomination of the heathen , and hee went back and built the high places which Hesechiah his father had broken down , and he set vp alters for Baalim , and made Groues , and worshipped all the hoste of Heauen & serued them . He built Alters in the house of the Lord . He caused his Sonnes to passe the fire in the valey of Ben hinnom . He gaue him self to Witchcraft and Charming , and Sorcery , and hee vsed them that had familiare spirits , and South-sayers , he did very much euil in the sight of the Lord to angre him , he made Iudah and the inhabitants of Ierusalem to erre , and to doo wursse then the Heathen whome the Lord had destroyed before the Children of Israel . Besides this he shed so much innocent blood that he filled Ierusalem from one end to an other , 2. Kin. 21.16 besides his sin wherwith he made Iudah to sin , and to doo euill in the sight of the Lord . Was there euer King on Earth further from equitie , humanitie and vertue , yea from true Religion● wherin he had been instructed , not onely because hee was a Iew , but also the Sonne of a very good father , which was Ezechias that restored the true seruice of God ? Neuerthelesse the holy Scripture witnesseth , that this King Manasses , so wicked , so cruel , and such an enemy of true Religion , that he séemed rather a Monster than a man , beeing in tribulation praied to the Lord his God , 2. Chr. 33.12 and humbled him self greatly before the God of his Fathers , and prayed vnto him and God was entreated of him , and heard his prayers and brought him again into Ierusalem , into his kingdome .

And euen as he had caused the people to turn from the Lord with Idolatrye , so commaunded he Iudah to serue the Lord God of Israel .

Lo héer an excellent mirrour of the grace and looue of God towards sinners that men may learne modestie to keep within their bounds , and not rashly to iudge of the end of any . And therfore S. Paule said of him self . For this cause was I receiued to mercy , that Iesus Christe should shewe on mee all long suffering , to the ensample of them which shall in time to come beleeue in him vnto eternall life . Then , euen as the election of the good and reprobation of the wicked , belongeth so to the secret councel of God , that it were rashnesse in man to pronounce any thing absolutely , but as far as we may sée by outwarde shewes , whiche often times chaunge contrary to our opinion before conceiued . So we say that as touching the sin to death or against the holy Ghost , we may giue no sudain iudgement lest experience it self , and the conuersion and amendment of those whom we condemne , conuince vs of rashnes and folly , yet if we should néeds iudge of the election of the faithful , or reprobation of the wicked , it is muche better simply to iudge of the perseuerance of those in whom we sée some tokens of the election , then of the ouerthrow and vtter destruction of such as haue some tokens of reprobation . 〈◊〉 Cor. 13.7 . For charitie bindeth vs to hope well of those whom God in mercy may bring to repentance , seeing we see that he dayly woorketh contrary to mans expectation . Phil. 1.6 . S. Paule saith , that he is perswaded that he that hath begun , a good woork in the Phillippians , wil performe it vntil the day of Iesus Christ : and addeth that it becommeth him so to iudge of them all . He saith also to the Thessaloni●●● ye are all Children of light , 1. Thess. 5.5 . and the children of the day . Further : We ought to giue thanks alway to God for you brethern belooued of the Lord , 2 Thess. 2.13 because that God hath from the beginning chosen you to saluation through sanctification of the Spirit and the faith of trueth . Whence commeth this iudgement and good opinion , yea assurednesse that S. Paule had of those to whome hee had preached the Gospel , but because he saw the tokens of the election in them ? 1 Thes. 2.1 . And as he saith in an other place , that when they receiued the woord of the preaching of God , they receiued it not as the woord of men , but as it is in déed the woord of God , which also wrought in them that beleeued . Surely charitie ( the frute of that faith whiche the holy Apostle in the promises of God ) mooued him to hope wel of those whiche had wel begon , because God wil performe his woork : Psal. 139. And as touching those , which profited not so wel in the doctrin of the Gospel as the other which were so far strayed that they sémed wholly out of the way , he is so far from dryuing 〈◊〉 into despair , or casting them of as despisers of Gods good gifts , that he laboreth with all power , 1. Cor 15.34 Gal. 4 . 19● to lead them again into the right way : as we haue all redy said of the Corinthians and Galathians : to whom he writeth thus . Awake to liue righteously & sin not , for some haue not the knowledge of God . And also : My little children of whom I trauail in birth again , vntil Christ be found again in you . Such and like examples teach vs rather to prouoke by all menes possible , such as are out of the right way to return back again & to commit them to the mercy of God , then to cast them of as desperate , or to beseech God to ouerthrowe and confound them except wee haue some certain reuelation as they had of whom we spake before . If then any haue abused the benefits of God , and namely the knowledge of the Ghospel , and afterwarde be stricken with the feeling of their sin , and oppressed with the iudgement of God , if they repent and séek to reconcile them selues to the Church , let not vs be so cruel , as to shut vp the entry of the kingdome of Heauen from them , séeing that the very Angels are more ioyfull for a sinner that repenteth him , Luc. 1● 7. then for nintie and nine iust men which néed no amendment of life . Further more before we conclude , it is necessary that the Readers be admoni●●ed , that in any wise they abuse not that which hath béen spoken , as if we would giue libertie to scoffers & mockers to dally with God , & to forsake the troth as oft as they list for the nature & malice of men seeketh alwaies these wicked extremityes , & neuer kéepeth measure in deuine & heauenvly thingꝭ , but findeth alwaies somwhat to carp at , & to blame the pure doctrin of the troth . As : If we declare what the Scripture teacheth touching election and reprobation , that is , Ephe. 1.4 . Rom. 9.18 . 1 Cor. 2.14 . that God hath chosen some , yea before the foundation of the world , to giue them eternall life , and that this election is frée , and that God hath mercy on whome he wil haue mercy , and whom he wil he hardeneth : straight waies the carnall & naturall man which comprehendeth not the thingꝭ the are of the spirit of God , concludeth thervpon , the we need not to passe for wel liuing : Ioh. 10 , 1● . For if I be ( saith he ) predestinat to saluation & euerlasting life , I cannot perish , séeing the the chosen are out of daunger , and contrary wise if I be a reprobate , I can not force the wil of God which hath appointed me to perdition : & so the flesh wil take occasion to liue at pleasure , as if the end of our election were not , the we should be holy & without blame before him in loue . Ephe. 1.4 . Rom. 3.28 Tit. 3.5 . And if we say as the troth is , the faith iustifieth , & that our work cannot satisfy the iudgement of god to obtain grace & righteousnes , yea & when we haue done all that is commaunded vs to doo , we must confesse our selues to be vnprofitable seruants , straight waies they cry out that this doctrin is falce and hereticall , that it maketh men carelesse and slouthful to doo good woorks : seeing that if the opinion of merit be taken away , we shal neuer doo any thing with good courage . But these poore ignorant men or rather Hipocrites , consider not that when we attribute to faith the meanes of iustifiing , Gal. 5.6 . we comdemne not good woorks whiche are the effects and frutes therof , seeing that a true and liuely faith woorketh by charitie , and that the end of our vocation is , Rom. 6.4 . that we walke in newnesse of like . For that it is written : Euery frée that bringeth not foorth good frute shal be hewen down and throwen into the fire . Mat. 3.10.16 . Also : Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good woorkis and glorifie your father which is in heauen . Also : If a man abide not in me , he is cast forth as a branch , Iohn . 15.6 . and withereth , and men gathereth them and cast them into the fire , and then burn . And S. Paule saith : Belooued bréethern be you stedfast , ● Cor. 15.58 . vnmoouable , abundant alwaies in the woork of the Lord for asmuch as ye knowe that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. Ephe. 2.10 . And again : We are his woorkmanship created in Christe Iesus vnto good woorks which God hath ordayned that we should walke in them . In an other place : Do these things ( saith hee ) and the God of peace shal be with you . Phill 4. ● . Tit. 2.14 . And speaking of Iesus Christe , he saith : Who gaue him self for vs the hee might redeme vs from all iniquitie & purge vs to be a perticuler people vnto himself , zealously giuen to good woorks . 1. Pet. 3.12 . S. Péeter also writeth after this sort : Haue your conuersation honest among the Gentles , that they which speake euil of you as of euill dooers , may ( by your good woorks which they shall see ) glorify God in the day of the visitation . To be short , the whole Scripture teacheth vs , to bestowe the time of our whole life in dooing good woorks , Esay . 61.3 . 1. Thes. 4 7. Ephe. 2.8 . Rom. 8.18 séeing that we are like trees planted , to glorify God , and that he hath not called vs to vncleannesse , but vnto holinesse . And neuerthelesse the same Scripture therwithall teacheth vs , the we are saued by grace through faith , and that not of our selues , for it is the gift of God : not through woorks , lest any man should boast him self . For I count that the afflictions of this present time are not worthy of the glory whiche shal be shewed vnto vs .